The #MiddletownRI Town Council took on a number of big issues Monday night from the new middle-high school to problematic coyotes, short-term rentals and more.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
MIDDLETOWN MEETING MATTERS
MIDDLETOWN TOWN COUNCIL
When: Monday night.
Where: Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road.
Absent: Emily Tessier.
Of note:
- Heard thanks from council President Paul M. Rodrigues to the state Department of Education for the additional $30 million in reimbursements for the middle-high school project, which remains “on time and on budget.” Finance Director Marc Tanguay was expected to provide an update on the additional savings to local taxpayers at the council’s July 15 session. “It’s $30 million. That’s huge,” Rodrigues said.
- Agreed to seek short- and long-term solutions to problematic coyotes in town, including seeking guidance from the state Department of Environmental Management, looking at the town’s ordinances and implementing a culling program. Brought up by Rodrigues, people were reminded the best way to deal with coyotes was to secure easily available outdoor food sources from dumpsters to wild fruit that’s dropped from trees. They were also encouraged to “haze” problematic coyotes until they run away. This included using noisemakers, projectiles, water hoses and spray bottles with vinegar water, pepper spray or bear repellent. If those strategies don’t work, people were encouraged to contact Animal Control Officer Olivia Garcia at 401-846-1144, Ext. 7101 or ogarcia@middletownri.com. Concerns can also be submitted to https://mdl.town/Helps, the town’s online nonemergency assistance portal.
- Held another discussion about short-term rentals and potential zoning ordinance changes being suggested by the Short-Term Rental Sub-Committee to “regulate the growth of this industry and set the parameters required for future STRs to operate under.” Version A was sent to the Planning Board for review before it gets referred back to the council for two readings. For more information about the proposal, visit https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13081/STR-Subcommittee online.
- Learned efforts would continue to slow down summertime traffic on Paradise Avenue through police enforcement and potentially temporary speed tables. Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown apologized for the placement of traffic cones along Paradise Avenue on the opening weekend, something that created issues for pedestrians and bicyclists and something that won’t be repeated. “We’re trying a different way in addition to enforcement to slow down traffic,” Brown said.
- Considered amended ordinances to include electric bicycles during a first public hearing. Town Solicitor Peter B. Regan said the proposed rules were intended to bring Middletown’s ordinances in line with state laws overseeing the issue. For more, visit https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13082/E-Bikes online. The second reading is expected on July 15.
Next meeting: Monday, July 15 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-7124